Ambassador Speeches

Ambassador Kirby's Speech at the opening of  the renovated Basarabeasca Fire and Rescue Station

February 27, 2007

(as drafted)

Mr. Minister, Director of Emergency Situations, Chairman of Basarabeasca Raion, Mr. Mayor, firemen and rescue personnel, ladies and gentlemen,

The United States is proud to have played a major part in the renovation of the Basarabeasca Fire and Rescue Station.  This project, administered through the United States European Command Humanitarian Assistance Program, was made possible through generous donations of the American people.  The United States spent almost $270,000 on this project:  $232,000 for the renovation itself, plus a separate donation of $35,000 to cover furniture and firefighting equipment.  If this project helps to save one life, this money will have been well spent.

I congratulate you on the opening of your newly renovated fire and rescue station.  With this new station, and with the courageous work of the fire and rescue personnel working here, the lives and property of all citizens in Basarabeasca and surrounding communities will be better protected.  For a region with a population of approximately 28,000 and one that contains six industrial enterprises and one major railroad station, this station is vitally important.  Now, your firefighters and rescue workers will be better able to respond to the consequences of natural and manmade disasters that may occur in the region—making life here more secure.  

There are several success stories in this project, and therefore I'd like to express gratitude to some very special people. 

First I'd like to thank the Department of Emergency Situations.  Everyone from the Director down to the local firemen and rescue workers took the initiative to create this new facility.  Colonel Şumleanschi and his staff took ownership of this project.  They had a vision of what could be, and they worked tirelessly to achieve that vision.  These are the men standing in formation before us; I'd like to add that they look magnificent in their uniforms.  I would also like to thank the families of these men—who are no less brave than they are.  I appreciate all the times you are awakened in the middle of the night by a phone call and how you worry about your loved ones on duty.  Thank you for your patience and support of these men in their noble work.  All of these men--and their families--deserve a round of applause.

I'd also like to express appreciation to Mr. Ion Hanganu, and the employees of Revetan, SRL, and Mr. Ştefan Homa, architectural consultant.  Because of your hard work, this renovation was completed ahead of schedule. The fruits of your labors are before us today.  Each one of us can see with our own eyes what a great job you've done.  The station looks absolutely wonderful.

Lastly, I want to thank our embassy employees.  Originally, the United States made a commitment to fund only the interior renovation for $140,000; Moldova agreed to cover funding for the exterior.  However, our Office of Defense Cooperation took the initiative and secured additional funding for the project.  Thanks to ODC's perseverance, the U.S. funded the entire project.  This allowed Moldova to shift money to start renovations of yet another fire station – one in Causeni. 

Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for your attention.  It’s been an honor to be here today for this grand occasion.  I congratulate you again on your new fire and rescue station.